Anker is undergoing a notable strategic shift this year, refining its branding to place its primary name more prominently on its products, effectively integrating sub-brands like Soundcore and Nebula into a more unified identity. Amidst this transition, the company has launched the Soundcore Space 2 Pro, a successor to its popular mid-range headphones. Positioned at a higher price point, the Pro model aims to deliver premium features to justify the increased cost.
Design and Comfort
The Space 2 Pro features a minimalist, subtle aesthetic. With the branding significantly toned down compared to previous iterations, these earcups are arguably among the most understated on the market. They are clean and simple, accented only by a subtle reflective logo on the edge. While they are very comfortable for extended use due to soft-touch materials and generous padding, they surprisingly feel like a slight downgrade in ergonomics compared to the highly regarded Space One Pro. Furthermore, while the headphones are foldable, the process is slightly cumbersome, and the included carrying pouch feels inadequate given the premium pricing.
Features and Battery Performance
The device is packed with modern functionality, including sophisticated adaptive noise-cancelling (ANC) powered by an eight-microphone array and convenient on-head detection for auto-pausing. Anker has heavily marketed the microphone system, claiming a Guinness World Record for wireless over-ear call quality. Battery life is rated at 60 hours, though this drops to 30 hours with ANC enabled, and falls further to 20 hours during continuous calls due to AI-driven voice processing.
ANC and Call Quality
The performance in specific areas is genuinely impressive. The ANC is arguably the best available in the sub-$200 category, providing excellent isolation. Even more striking is the call quality. Thanks to the "Thus" chip and AI integration, the voice clarity during calls is exceptional, making these an outstanding choice for professional use.
Audio Quality
While the utility features excel, the musical performance is less refined. The 35mm drivers prioritize a heavy bass response, which adds warmth to tracks but often sacrifices clarity and balance in higher registers. As noted by the reviewer:
«It leans quite heavily on bass, for one thing, which does mean that you get a good amount of warmth in the low-end of tracks, but this hurts the detail in other registers.»
While users can customize the sound signature via the companion app to make it more clinical, the out-of-the-box experience lacks the sophistication expected at this price point.
Verdict
The Soundcore Space 2 Pro is a device of contrasts. It excels in noise cancellation and call quality, making it a compelling tool for office environments or frequent commuters. However, audiophiles may find the sound quality underwhelming relative to the price hike. If your priority is music fidelity, you might consider alternatives like the Sonos Ace Ultra, whereas those looking to save money without losing too much performance might find the standard Space 2 to be a more balanced value proposition.